The Definitive Electric Bike Buyer's Guide

The Definitive Electric Bike Buyer's Guide - GOTRAX

Whether you’re a daily commuter or a weekend adventurer, an electric bike takes ordinary journeys and turns them into something extraordinary. From commuter to folding to fat tire, there are eBike models for all kinds of riders. With so many options, it can be difficult to figure out which style is right for you. That’s why today, we’re going over the different kinds of eBike and outlining their strengths and benefits, helping you find the ride that’s right for you.

What are the Best Commuter Electric Bikes?

Commuter and city electric bikes are the quintessential style of eBike. These rides provide all the same benefits as a traditional bike, but with the added benefit of an electric boost that can assist your pedaling efforts (or in some cases, help you get around town without pedaling at all). Whether you’re heading to work, class, the grocery store, or beyond, a commuter eBike makes navigating the urban jungle an absolute breeze. 

For riders who want a classic biking feel with an electric twist, the Accord is the ideal option. The Accord blends a traditional frame style with a 350-Watt hub motor and 36 Volt, 10.4 Ah rechargeable battery to deliver smooth, long-lasting rides. It offers a top speed of 20 MPH, keeping trips quick and enjoyable, while a range of up to 40 miles per charge helps you reach your destination without needing to stop and recharge. It even comes with a shock-absorbing front suspension fork and a rear cargo rack, adding comfort and convenience to every journey. It’s the perfect choice for riders who want to transition into eBiking from traditional biking or even commuting by car.

While an eBike takes up much less space than a car, storing and transporting a full-size eBike can still be a hassle. Luckily, folding eBikes serve as the perfect alternative for riders worried about size and portability. The E-Fold is a fantastic option for commuters who need a ride that doesn’t take up too much space. It folds up small when you’re not riding, making it easy to stash in offices, apartments, and trunks. It’s also a breeze to carry, which makes life easy for last-mile commuters and riders who need to haul their bike upstairs. And don’t let its small size fool you; with a 350-Watt motor and a 20 MPH top speed, the E-Fold offers the power and speed to make all of your journeys quick and easy. Add on convenient features like a rear cargo rack and a detailed digital display, and you have the ideal ride for commuters who need convenience and utility without sacrificing on power.

Though eBikes boast a number of benefits over traditional motor vehicles, the one area where they tend to fall short is in carrying capacity. For commuters who have more than a little bit of cargo to bring along for the ride, a backpack or a smaller cargo rack won’t cut it. That’s where the E-Cargo comes in. This ultra-convenient eBike comes equipped with two cargo racks, one in the front and one in the back, making it easier than ever to transport all kinds of gear, supplies, and other necessary materials as you travel on your eBike. Plus, it’s built with a shock-absorbing front suspension fork, which helps keep you and your cargo stable during rides down rougher streets. It also delivers plenty of speed and power alongside its utility, boasting a 500-Watt motor and 48 Volt, 10.4 Ah rechargeable battery. This gives the E-Cargo a top speed of 20 miles per hour and a range of up to 50 miles per charge, effortlessly matching the performance of other commuter eBikes. If you’re looking for an eBike that offers the carrying capacity for hauling gear, supplies, groceries, deliveries, and more, all while keeping your rides quick and smooth, then the E-Cargo is the ideal choice.

So which commuter eBike is right for you? If you’re looking for a traditional biking feel with the added power and ease of an electric motor, then the Accord is the perfect choice. For riders who want an urban ride that’s easy to store, carry, or transport anywhere you go, the E-Fold is the ride for you. And if you need plenty of carrying capacity to haul any cargo you need for your day-to-day journeys, then the E-Cargo is the clear winner.

Whether you’re making your daily commute or taking a quick trip to the grocery store, a commuter electric bike offers speed, convenience, and fun like no other. If you’re looking to ditch the car keys for a greener means of transport, or if you’re looking to give your ordinary bike rides an electric upgrade, then one of these city models is the perfect choice.

What are the Best Folding Electric Bikes?

If you’re looking for a quick and convenient way to get to work or class, consider a folding eBike. These portable rides fold up small for easy carrying and storage, making them perfect for riders who may need to haul their ride for a short walk or stash it in a tight space. In crowded city traffic, they can help you skip the lines of cars by letting you cruise through the bike lane, saving you precious time. And thanks to their rechargeable batteries, eBike riders save money on refueling when compared to commuters who drive a traditional vehicle that uses gas. With all of this space, time, and money saved, folding eBikes make all of your daily commutes more convenient than ever.

Of course, no two folding eBikes are the same, and each model caters to different riders. The F1, for example, is a fantastic choice for riders who need a lightweight ride that zips through city streets with ease. It comes equipped with a 350-Watt motor that powers rides to speeds of 20 miles per hour on both pedal assist and throttle, keeping your journeys quick. It also offers a range of up to 50 miles per charge, helping you reach your destinations with ease. And with a weight of just 48.6 pounds, it’s a breeze to pick up and carry, making your journeys more portable than ever.

If you need just a bit more power out of a folding commuter eBike, then the F2 is the eBike for you. The F2 offers a more powerful 500-Watt motor, bringing rides to an improved top speed of 25 MPH. It also features slightly wider 3” tires and a front suspension fork, both of which work in tandem to keep your rides smoother and more comfortable by reducing the impact of bumps and jolts in the road. Plus, it includes a frame-welded rear cargo rack, adding extra utility to every ride. 

However, for riders who want a ride that can handle journeys both on and off the road, the F3 may be the perfect choice. Its wider 4” fat tires and front suspension fork work together to absorb any bumps or jolts you experience on your ride, keeping your adventures smooth and comfortable. Its powerful 500-Watt motor offers a higher top speed of 28 MPH, adding thrill to every adventure. It even features a rear cargo rack that helps you haul work bags and other gear with ease. The F3 offers the best of both worlds, delivering both the convenience of a folding eBike and the off-road performance of a fat tire eBike.

Still wondering which folding eBike is right for you? Each of the GOTRAX F Series eBikes excels in a different environment, making each one the ideal choice for different riders. The F1 is perfect for newer riders who want to try their own eBike for the first time, as well as riders who value lightweight portability above all else. The F2, meanwhile, offers a bit more power, comfort, and stability, catering to riders who want a faster, smoother ride through the city. And as a fat tire folding eBike, the F3 is the clear pick for riders who want a portable electric bike that can tackle off-road trails with ease.

No matter what model you choose, a folding electric bike is sure to change your everyday journeys for the better. Whether you’re looking to take your ride on the go or you simply need an  easy-to-store way of getting around, these convenient rides have just the right blend of power and portability for rides of all kinds.

What are the Best Off-Road Electric Bikes?

When it comes to conquering the off-road, there are few rides better than an off-road electric bike. One of the most popular categories of all-terrain eBike, fat tire eBikes, features extra-wide tires that easily absorb the bumps and jolts you might experience during your rides, keeping journeys smooth on any terrain. They also do a great job of helping you keep traction on varied terrain, including sand and mud. This increased stability ensures that your adventures are in your control, letting you conquer rides both on and off the road with ease.

If you’re looking for the perfect ride to start your adventures on the off-road, then the Rambo is the ride for you. This fat tire eBike takes on all kinds of terrain with ease, making use of a shock-absorbing front suspension fork to ensure that all of your rides are comfortable, no matter the terrain. Its powerful 500-watt motor easily powers your rides to speeds of up to 25 miles per hour, and with a 48 Volt, 10.4 Ah battery, it lets you explore for up to 50 miles per charge as well. The Rambo even comes equipped with a rear cargo rack that carries any gear or supplies you may need to haul with ease. If you’re looking for an eBike that’s ready to take your journeys to all-new destinations, the Rambo is the ride for you.

More experienced eBikes riders who want an enhanced off-road experience should look to the Alpine. This fat tire eBike offers all of the same great features that riders love in the Rambo, alongside some notable upgrades. For one, the Alpine comes equipped with a bigger battery, sporting a 48 Volt, 13.5 Ah battery that provides an extended 64 miles of range per charge. It also gives you even more storage than the Rambo thanks to its included front cargo rack, which is perfect for carrying all kinds of gear for your journeys. It even offers braking, making use of hydraulic disc brakes for improved stopping power. 

For riders seeking the ultimate eBike experience, however, the Tundra is the perfect ride. This powerhouse comes equipped with a 750-Watt motor that brings your rides to speeds of up to 28 miles per hour in seconds, all while its high-capacity 48 Volt, 20 Ah battery delivers a range of up to 74 miles per charge. It features a responsive torque sensor that measures your pedaling efforts and adjusts the motor output to match, keeping your journeys feeling smooth and natural on any terrain. Plus, with a full-color LCD display, dual hydraulic disc brakes, a Shimano 7-speed shifter, and so much more, the Tundra is tailor-made to take your rides to the next level.

Need some more help deciding which fat tire eBike is best for you? In general, we’d recommend the Rambo for riders looking to try their first fat tire eBike, since it offers all of the features that make fat tire eBikes great. Then, we’d suggest the Alpine for more experienced riders looking for an upgrade to their range, storage, and stopping power. Finally, we’d recommend the Tundra for thrill-seeking or adventurous riders who want more power, speed, range, and performance on every journey.

Whether you’re looking for an all-around eBike that tackles any ride with ease or an off-road eBike that conquers rougher terrain like a champ, a fat tire eBike offers a smooth, comfortable, and powerful ride that simply can’t be beat.

What are the Best Moped-Style Electric Bikes?

If you’re looking for visual appeal, nothing beats a moped-style eBike. These rides feature sleek, moto-inspired frames that offer the perfect blend of form and function, making every ride both convenient and enjoyable. They come outfitted with a longer, moto-style seat that creates a more upright riding posture, as well as a large moto-style headlight that evokes a classic moped look. In addition, many come with 4” wide fat tires and front suspension, which helps to keep rides comfortable on all kinds of roads. For riders who want a cooler aesthetic for their eBike without sacrificing on power or performance, a moped-style ride is the perfect choice.

Interested in finding the ultimate moto-style eBike experience? Then the Mustang is the ride for you. Thanks to a 750-Watt motor with 90 Nm of torque, a responsive torque sensor, and a 48 Volt, 15 Ah LG battery, rides on the Mustang are smooth, quick, and long-ranged, delivering a top speed of 25 MPH and a range of up to 86 miles per charge. It also comes outfitted with a shock-absorbing front suspension fork that offers 80 mm of travel, as well as 4” wide fat tires that help keep every ride comfortable. It even includes Tektro hydraulic brakes with plenty of stopping power for precise control of every ride. The Mustang offers unmatched levels of both style and performance, making it the ideal eBike for riders who want visual appeal without sacrificing on performance or comfort.

Meanwhile, for those who want a little more style on their off-road rides, the Ranger is the perfect choice. The Ranger comes outfitted with 4”-wide, all-terrain fat tires that tackle both city streets and dirt with ease, alongside shock-absorbing front suspension that helps smooth rides over rougher terrain. It’s also got plenty of speed and power thanks to a 500-Watt motor that brings rides to a top speed of 25 MPH for quick, fun journeys. Plus, its 48 Volt, 10.4 Ah battery offers a range of up to 50 miles per charge, giving you plenty of room to explore off the beaten path. Add on a number of other great features like hydraulic brakes and a digital display, and you have a ride that offers the ideal blend of form and function.

Not sure which moped-style eBike to pick? If you’re looking for unmatched urban performance and an unforgettably smooth riding experience, the Mustang is your bike. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for off-road power that doesn’t break the bank, the Ranger is the perfect choice. Both moped-style eBikes keep rides quick, fun, and comfortable, making either a great option for commuters and explorers alike.

What’s the Best eBike for Me?

No matter which model you choose, eBikes are a fantastic way to upgrade your everyday journeys. They help save time, money, and space over traditional motor vehicles, plus they provide plenty of thrill and even some decent exercise as you travel. If you’re looking to make the jump to an electric ride, consider giving one of these eBikes a try.

Still struggling to decide? Here’s a quick breakdown of where each eBike we mentioned today excels:

  • Accord - For commuters who want a traditional bike feel.
  • E-Fold - For commuters who need to save space or carry their eBike.
  • E-Cargo - For commuters and city riders who need to carry extra cargo.
  • F1 - For entry-level eBike riders who need to save space storing their eBike.
  • F2 - For more experienced riders who need power, utility, and portability. 
  • F3 - For off-road adventurers and road trippers who want to bring their ride on the go.
  • Rambo - For beginner off-road riders or commuters looking for a smoother ride.
  • Alpine - For more experienced off-road riders who want a bit more performance and utility.
  • Tundra - For riders seeking the ultimate off-road eBike experience.
  • Mustang - For cruisers and joyriders who want unmatched performance on urban adventures.
  • Ranger - For all-terrain explorers who don’t want to sacrifice style for off-road power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still wondering which eBike is right for you? We've answered some common questions from prospective eBike buyers to help narrow down your search.

Is an eBike or an eScooter better for me?

eBikes and eScooters are both great tools for getting around town, exploring your city, or just enjoying a quick weekend joyride. For riders trying to decide which electric ride to buy, there’s a few things to consider. First is your preferred riding posture. Most eScooters will have you standing to ride, while eBikes offer a seated position. The next thing to consider is terrain. eBikes are generally better equipped to handle rougher roads and tougher terrain when compared to eScooters, though some dual motor scooters might handle off-road riding better than an eBike built for the city. The last thing to consider is space. eBikes are typically larger than eScooters, so they require more storage space. However, they also tend to have a larger weight capacity and more space for cargo, so they’re the ideal choice for those who need to haul any kind of gear, supplies, or groceries.

What style of eBike should I buy?

Because eBikes come in a wide variety of styles, each one is uniquely suited to different types of riders. If you’re looking for an eBike that closely resembles a traditional bike, or you want a bike that excels in urban commuting situations, a city or commuter eBike would work well for you. If you’re looking for an eBike that doesn’t take up too much storage space or can be easily brought along for road trips, a folding eBike would be right for you. If you're deciding between wide and narrow tires, consider if you plan to do any off-road riding; if you are, a fat tire eBike would suit your needs. And if you want an eBike that provides both performance and a unique visual appeal, a moped-style eBike is worth considering.

Many eBikes fall into more than one category; the F3, for example, is a fat tire folding eBike, making it a great choice for off-road riders with a penchant for roadtripping or with strict storage requirements. When picking your new eBike, consider your potential use cases, then pick a bike with a style that matches what you need.

What features should I look for in an eBike?

Electric bikes can come with a wide array of useful features, such as powerful hydraulic brakes, a smooth-feeling torque sensor, or shock-absorbing front suspension. However, premium features tend to add to the cost of an eBike, so if you’re shopping on a budget, it’s important to consider which features are a must-have, and which ones are a luxury. To help you determine which features to prioritize, we’ve broken down each premium eBike feature based on its benefits.

  • Hydraulic brakes: provide extra stopping power when compared to mechanical brakes.
  • Front suspension: helps absorb bumps and jolts you might encounter on rougher roads.
  • Torque sensor: Measures your pedaling efforts and adjusts the motor’s output in response, creating a smoother, more natural-feeling ride.
  • Rear cargo rack: Provides a space to strap on extra cargo for deliveries, grocery runs, and more.
  • Mid-drive motor: Positions the motor close to the pedals instead of inside the rear wheel, creating a smoother and more efficient power delivery.

How fast can an eBike go?

Every eBike has a different top speed, usually determined by its motor power and the use case it was designed for. In most of the US, electric bikes legally cannot go faster than 28 miles per hour while pedalling, and they cannot exceed 20 miles per hour on throttle. Some areas have even stricter speed limits. Before purchasing an electric bike, make sure you check the laws and regulations in your area to make sure that your eBike complies. In addition, you can read our article on eBike classifications to learn more about how eBikes are regulated in some states.

Wondering how fast a GOTRAX eBike can go? Most GOTRAX electric bikes have a top speed of 28, 25, or 20 MPH on pedal assist and 20 MPH on throttle.

Are electric bikes street legal?

Every area has different rules and regulations regarding the legality of electric bikes. While electric bikes are legal in many areas of the US, the laws surrounding where and when an eBike can be ridden, including how fast an eBike can go while travelling on streets, varies between localities. Before purchasing an electric bike, be sure to check your local rules and regulations, then shop for an eBike that complies.

What is the difference between pedal assist and throttle?

eBikes make use of their powerful electric motors to boost your rides in one of two ways: pedal assist or throttle. With pedal assist, your eBike will provide motor power as you pedal, using a sensor to measure either your speed or your pedaling input and using that measurement to adjust the motor's output. This helps you reach and maintain higher speeds than most riders typically could on a traditional bike. Throttle, meanwhile, provides that motor power without any pedaling input and is usually activated either through a twisting mechanism or a lever on your handlebars. Each mode has its own benefits and drawbacks, but in general, pedal assist requires more pedaling effort while offering a longer range (and higher legal speed limits), while throttle requires less effort but will drain your battery faster.

What should I know before buying an eBike?

We have a number of guides tailor-made for both new eBike owners and long-time riders who want a quick refresher on tips, tricks, and best practices. For more information about different styles of eBike, check out our step over versus step through frame comparison and our breakdown of the different eBike classes. To learn more about maintaining your eBike, check out our guide for avoiding flat tires, our winter care guide for electric rides, and our eBike maintenance overview. And for those prepping for their first eBike ride, we recommend checking out our nighttime ride tips.

Why choose a GOTRAX electric bike?

Though there are plenty of eBike brands out there, GOTRAX stands above the rest when it comes to delivering powerful, fun, and reliable rides at an unbeatable value. When compared to other brands, GOTRAX provides higher specs and better features at the same pricepoints. 

There are a number of other reasons to shop GOTRAX, too. With an industry-leading warranty and US-based customer service, GOTRAX has your back, letting you ride in confidence. Plus, most GOTRAX products are UL certified, meaning you can ride without worry. 

GOTRAX has been in the industry since 2017, producing electric rides that turn ordinary trips into extraordinary adventures. GOTRAX products can be found both online at GOTRAX.com and at a variety of retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, and more. 

From daily commuters to weekend adventurers, GOTRAX offers electric bikes that are perfect for riders of all kinds. If you’re ready to set out on upgraded journeys, be sure to check out one of the models showcased above, or explore our full electric bikes collection if you’re looking for something a little different. No matter where you roam or why you travel, we just hope you’ll gear up for adventure and join us for the ride.